Thursday, September 17, 2015

Essentially an eastern extension of the Maramagambo Forest, the 137km² Kalinzu Forest Reserve is traversed by a number of scenic trails along the ridges and valleys of the Rift Valley Escarpment, offering views of the Rwenzoris, Lake Edward and the Kazinga Channel. The Forest is famous for 414 Species of Trees and Shrubs including the Ficus, Prunus Africana, the Stroboia, and Parinari among others. In addition to an alluring variety of forest birds, Kalinzu protects six diurnal primate species: chimpanzees, olive baboon, black and white Colobus and red-tailed, blue and L’Hoest monkey, as well as the rare pygmy antelope. Nocturnal primates such as potto, and two varieties of galago can be sought on night walks, when you are also likely to hear the eerie shrieking of the tree hyrax. The 2001 Primate Census put the total number of Chimpanzees in the Reserve at approximately 240. However, only two Groups of about 70 can be accessed by both Researchers and Tourists. The Forest also harbours 378 Species of Birds such as the Great Blue Turaco, Black and White Casket, Cuckoos and Sunbirds. Other varieties of Species include 262 Butterflies, 97 Moths, Reptiles and Flowers. Because of its proximity to the Queen Elizabeth National Park, the Forest Reserve occasionally provides refuge to Savannah Grassland Species such as the Duikers, Leopards and Wild Pigs. Tourist Activities in Kalinzu ForestTourist activities in the Reserve include · Chimps tracking allowing 4 visitors per day at US Dollars 50 per person..· Forest Walks, · Conservation Education, · Birding, · Butterfly Identification, · and small Mammal viewing. How to Get to Kalinzu Kalinzu Forest Reserve is located in Bushenyi District in western Uganda. It is approximately 375 km. (six hours drive) from the Capital City of Kampala. Because of the Albertine Terrain with old logging and winding roads, a four – wheel drive vehicle is recommended. Accommodation while at KalinzuAccommodation in the Reserve is still informal with only a do-it- yourself Camping Site at the Forest Station at Nkombe. Visitors are advised to carry their own Tents. Visitors can also seek modest accommodation in Bushenyi/Ishaka Townships. For Reservations, please contact the Range Manager on Tel: 256-41-0772 458389

Mweya Safari LodgeOne of the most beautifully situated lodges in Uganda, facing the bank of Kazinga Channel which routinely attracts large herds of buffalo, elephant, and incredible views of the "Mountains of the Moon" - the Rwenzoris. Learn more >>

Jacana Lodgein the center of Queen Elizabeth National Park, a fifteen minute drive from the main road, but the scenery is nice. The lodge is on a beautiful lake in the forest. Many monkeys, some hippo-sounds at night. Learn more >>

Katara LodgeKatara lodge is a little way out of Queen Elizabeth National Park and in a small village but with fabulous views from the lodge (about 30mins from the main game drives in Queen Elizabeth National Park). Learn more >>

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

The Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA) has embarked on a programme to open a road that leads to the first king of the Rwenzururu Kingdom in the Rwenzori Mountains. Late Isaya Mukirania Kyibanzanga I, who led the Bakonzo and the Bamba in a rebellion in 1961 against Toro Kingdom died in 1966. He was buried at the peak of the hill- Bulemba in the steep mountains of Rwenzori in Ihandiro sub - county in Kasese District.

"We are working with the local communities to construct a road so that tourists can reach Bulemba and see where the first king of the Bakonzo was buried," Frederick Kiiza, the Rwenzori Mountains National Park chief warden, said.UWA has so far constructed a modern hut at Bulemba, about 500m below the Isaya Mukirania Kyibanzanga's grave and a rest camp along the foot path to the tomb.

The Ihandiro sub - county chairperson, Fenhansi Baluku, confirmed that UWA had already released some money for clearing the bush that had grown on the Murushenga-Kibigha road that leads to Bulemba.

Murushenga-Kibigha road was first made between 1959 and 1960 by the Canadians who owned Kirembe Copper mines to extend the mining to Kigombya in the mountains. Baluku told a gathering who trekked to Bulemba, 30 km from Bwera town in Bukonzo West, that clearing of the bush had already started to pave way for re - excavating the road.

Officiating at the celebrations that were held under the theme, "Exploring and Sustaining tourism potential in the Rwenzori Mountains," the speaker of the Rwenzururu Kingdom, Enock Muhindo called on the youth to respond positively to what had led the Bakonzo and Bamba to wage rebellion. He reminded the Rwenzururu subjects that after the demise of Kyibanzanga I, his first born son, Charles Wesley Mumbere Iremangoma, took over the kingdom and on August 15, 1981 declared the end of the war of violence.

Muhindo also advised the Rwenzururu youth to cooperate with fellow youth in Toro Kingdom.

"We must work together to bring peace in the Rwenzori region and live in harmony with other cultural institutions because we cannot develop in isolation, "he stressed. An American tourist , Lauren Burton, one of those who trekked to Bulemba to attend the celebrations, said: "I have enjoyed being here. The Rwenzori Mountains are beautiful from every corner. "